Standard SSUSH 8

The student will explain the relationship between growing north-south

divisions and westward expansion.

a) Explain how slavery became a significant issue in American
politics; include Nat Turners Rebellion and the rise of
abolitionism [William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, and
the Grimke sisters].
b) Explain the Missouri Compromiseof 1820 and the issue of
slavery in western states and territories.
c) Describe the Nullification Crisis and the emergence of a states
rights ideology; include the role of John C. Calhoun and the
development of sectionalism.
d) Describe the Mexican-American War and the Wilmot Proviso.
e) Explain how the Compromise of 1850 arose out of territorial
expansion and population growth.
Nat Turners Rebellion
Most famous/influential of slave rebellions in the
south
Southern response stricter slave laws and
greater support for the institution of slavery
Increase of sectionalism over slavery
William Lloyd Garrison
1831 published newspaper The Liberator
Advocated for abolition of slavery
Considered by southerners as most radical of
abolitionists
His newspaper banned in the South
Frederick Douglass
Former slave and famous abolitionist
Wrote influential autobiography and other
works
Forcefully argued for African American freedom
and rights before and after the Civil War

Grimke Sisters
Southern sisters and abolitionists
Lectured and wrote against slavery
Became womens rights activists later in life
Banned in the South
Missouri Compromise of 1820
Compromise kept balance in Senate
Missouri = slave state, Maine = free state
Banned expansion of slavery elsewhere in Louisiana Purchase
Overturned by Kansas-Nebraska Act and Dred Scott Decision
Nullification Crisis
Crisis over whether a state can nullify a federal law
Tariff of Abominations
President Jackson vs. Vice President John C. Calhoun
Jackson threatened to use military force in South
Carolina
John C. Calhoun
Most influential Southern Politician before the Civil
War Vice President, Cabinet member, S.C. Senator
Advocate of states rights, sectionalism, nullification
Role in all Sectionalism crises Missouri statehood,
Nullification, California statehood.
Sectionalism
devotion to ones region or state greater than
ones devotion to nation.
Economic differences between N & S increased
sectionalism
Disagreement over Tariffs increased sectionalism
Disagreement over extending slavery into the
territories increased sectionalism

States Rights Before the Civil War
Idea that ultimate political authority resides in
the sovereign states and not the national
government
Articles of Confederation precedent for idea
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions of Jefferson
and Madison
Infamous Dred Scott Case
One Cause of the Civil War
Mexican-American War
Controversial war first for US on foreign soil
Defeat of Mexico = vast new territories, US a
continental nation
New territories Old problem = whether or not
to allow the spread of slavery .
Wilmot Proviso
Wilmot Proviso-no slavery to be allowed in
territories obtained from Mexico
Controversial amendment kept issue of the
spread of slavery at the top of nations agenda
Wilmot Proviso basis for the creation of
Republican Party of Abraham Lincoln


Compromise of 1850
Compromise of 1850
Compromise of 1850 Provisions
Calif. Added as free state
Tougher fugitive slave laws for the south
New Mex., Utah allowed to vote whether to
be free or slave [popular sovereignty]

Results of Compromise - postponed but did
not prevent Civil War for10 years